By Elliot Foster

Michael Devine has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 27-year-old, from Luton, revealed the news on social media on Monday, despite having two fights pencilled in.

Devine (15-5-1, 5 KOs) is the Southern Area champion at lightweight and had been scheduled to defend his belt against undefeated Jamie Arlain on April 22 at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

But the Steve Goodwin-managed fighter, who was also set to move on to fight Sam Bowen for the vacant English title down at super-featherweight against Sam Bowen at Dunstable Leisure Centre on June 3, has poured cold water over the idea of lacing up the gloves again, having last been in action in December 2016.

“[I] just wanted to let everyone know that as of today I'm officially hanging up the gloves,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

“The sport I once loved just isn't giving me enough from it through the number of hours I train and spend away from my family.

“I have had some brilliant nights and want to thank all my supporters for following my career and raising the roof every time!”

Devine won a Southern Area belt at super-featherweight, though he never defended it.

He also boxed in the eight-man Prizefighter tournament in the lightweight division before moving up to super-lightweight to unsuccessfully challenge Tommy Martin for the vacant WBA Continental title, exclusively live on Sky Sports, in September 2015, as part of the undercard to Anthony Joshua’s one-round demolition of Gary Cornish at the O2 Arena in London.

Since then, Devine amassed a record of 2-1 and most recently stopped Ben Day inside two rounds.

“Boxing just isn't giving me or my family any financial gains, it's a tough world,” he continued.

“Thank you to everyone for ever showing your support. Doing it for all my fans was the best part of my career.

“It's a sad day for me but now I can spend time with my family and work and receive a regular income.”